Bennett’s Fresh Roast owner to compete in Donut Showdown on the Cooking Channel

June 18, 2013

Bennett's Fresh Roast owner Bob Grissinger and assistant Lisa Bronchetti will compete against other donut experts in Donut Showdown premiering in the U.S. on the Cooking Channel on Wednedsay, July 3, at 10 p.m.

The episode that Grissinger and Bronchetti are featured in is called "Carnival."

"As soon as we know when our particular episode is supposed to air, we will post the date on our Facebook page so folks can be sure to tune in," Grissinger said in a prepared statement. "It was so much fun to participate in this terrific show, and we know our customers and fans will enjoy the series. We are not allowed to give any details, but Lisa and I certainly gave it all we had."

Grissinger was one of 42 fiercely competitive donut pros from across North America featured on the show, which originally aired on Food Network Canada in April 2013.

Donut Showdown pairs professional donut makers to take the iconic fried dough delicacy to new heights, dishing out their wackiest creations in hopes of devouring the competition and taking home a $10,000 grand prize at the end of every episode.

In each episode of Donut Showdown, the battle begins with three colorful competitors tasked with creating a batch of donuts using three bizarre and unusual secret ingredients. Hosted by Danny Boome, Donut Showdown brings an expert panel of judges to the diner kitchen to decide which fried treats will make the cut and which ones will cause the judges' eyes to 'glaze' over. David Rocco leads the charge as head judge, joined by fellow esteemed judges, culinary expert Maggie McKeown and popular Toronto restaurateur Zane Caplansky.

"Our Donut Dog that we unveiled on National Donut Day was actually adapted from an item we made on Donut Showdown," said Grissinger. "Since launching the new lunch item on June 7, it has proved to be very popular."

Located off West First Street at 2011 Bayside Parkway, Bennett's is housed in a bright and colorful 2,000-square-foot shop inside a lovingly restored 1943 former home.

In addition to fresh roasted coffee and hand-cut-from-scratch donuts, Bennett's also offers fresh desserts from Bob Grissinger's own recipe book including praline bread pudding, lemon bars and pies, giving area residents an alternative for afternoon snacks. Bennett's also features packaged whole bean or ground coffees, breakfast muffins, strata, oatmeal and breakfast sandwiches. On the weekends, Bennett's Strata (a layered baked breakfast dish) is a regular sellout. Tea lovers can choose from a large variety of Harney & Sons Fine Teas.

Additional lunch offerings including paninis, soups, sandwiches and four signature salads are available Monday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bennett's is open Monday through Sunday from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m.